Air Astra, Fly Dhaka to take Bangladesh skies

Two new private air operators, Air Astra and Fly Dhaka, are all set to spread their wings in the sky of Bangladesh.

Being the third private domestic airline in Bangladesh, Air Astra is hoping to launch its flight operations in different domestic destinations from January, 2022.

Another private airliner called Fly Dhaka is also planning to operate its commercial flights on various domestic routes soon though the airliner authorities kept its launching schedule secret as yet. This will be the fourth private domestic airline in Bangladesh.

Apart from the national flag carrier – Biman Bangladesh Airlines – two other private airlines, namely US-Bangla and Novoair, are currently operating flights.

According to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh sources, Fly Dhaka has already submitted an application to the regulatory authorities to get its license while Air Astra will also follow the same procedure by this month to obtain the required license from CAAB for moving ahead as per its plan. Both the two new air operators are learnt to bargain with a leasing company to lease ATR 72-600 (Dash) aircraft.

“Though we were planning to start our aviation business last year, Covid-19 situation has delayed our official work in this regard. However, recently we have formed a board of directors with a foreign investor and recruited nine aviation experts as per CAAB direction before submitting our application. Hopefully, Air Astra can fly in January, next year with highly ensured air safety measures and better passenger services,” said Imran Asif, chief executive officer of Air Astra, while talking to The Business Post.

 Before joining Air Astra, Imran Asif has served as the chief executive officer of Regent Airways and US-Bangla Airlines Limited.

Imran also said, “We are communicating with two aircraft leasing companies, one company has four aircraft and another has three aircraft as we are planning to operate flights on all seven domestic routes. If we can collect at least 4 aircraft by January, we will be able to operate flights to all the domestic destinations.”

Being the first private airlines operator of Bangladesh, Air Astra is keen to get the IOSA certification, an operational safety audit programme being conducted by International Air Transport Association, taking into consideration the passengers’ safety and security. Moreover, various benefits for corporate and business clients will be introduced for the first time in Bangladesh, he added.

While talking to The Business Post, former minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, who is one of the partners of Fly Dhaka, said, “We will formally announce the matter once all the procedure is completed.”

As per the civil aviation authority rules, airlines will get permission to operate international flights after operating domestic routes for at least one year. Thus, both Air Astra and Fly Dhaka can also spread their wings on international routes only after a successful year of their respective domestic operations.

Hasan Al Javed / businesspostbd.com

Photo: K M ABU BAKAR SIDDIQUE

S2-STB / ATR 72-212A(600)